Last Updated on July 16, 2023 by Benjamin Mulany
When it comes to the world of hip-hop, Shelley Marshaun Massenburg-Smith, known by his stage name D.R.A.M. or DRAM, has made a name for himself with his unique style and infectious energy. He is best known for his rap single “Broccoli.” If you don’t know, his real name is Shelley Marshaun Massenburg-Smith and he is a hip-hop artist from Hampton, Virginia. DRAM net worth is estimated to be at $2 million as of 2023.
In this blog, we will delve into D.R.A.M.’s early life, his remarkable career, his personal life, and the valuable lessons we can learn from his journey.
| Full Name | Shelley Marshaun Massenburg-Smith |
| Stage Name | D.R.A.M. or DRAM |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Birthdate | August 3, 1988 (age 34) |
| Birthplace | Neustadt, Germany |
| Income Source | American rapper |
| Last Updated | July 2023 |
Early Life
DRAM, the rapping sensation was born on August 3rd, 1988 in Neustadt, Germany to a US military veteran mom who was stationed in Germany.
On August 3, 2022, DRAM will turn 34 years of age. Being brought up by a military mother, Gwen Jones, he was always traveling to different places as a kid. However, he spent most of his childhood in Hampton, Virginia.
The small town does not have many opportunities to build a career in music, so he decided to learn music from his grandparents, who had worked with a local church musical group.
As a kid, he got inspired by choir singing which sparked his passion for music. He first became aware of the rap and hip-hop genre while attending Spratley Middle School.
Later, he moved on to Hampton High School, where he completed graduation, before attending Kentucky State University. D.R.A.M. struggled to get a high-paying job after graduating from high school. So, he decided to pursue his passion for music.
He draws influence from musicians like Missy Elliot and Pharrell Williams.
D.R.A.M. Net Worth And Career
As for making money, D.R.A.M. has managed to build a sizable wealth through music that allows him to live a lavish life. He makes up the majority of his wealth by releasing rap singles and EPs for his fans. D.R.A.M.’s personal wealth is expected to increase to $2.5 million as 2023 ends.
D.R.A.M. made his first public appearance at the local Coliseum Mall in Hampton, Virginia, where he and his group performed several of their rap songs, and this marked the start of his musical career.
He entered a youth choir musical group, ‘Soul Direction,’ after completing middle school, which let him recognize his enthusiasm for singing and music. From 2005 until 2009, he worked a series of odd jobs, one was as a call center attendant.
With the stage name D.R.A.M.A. j, he began exploring hip-hop music in 2008 and recorded numerous tracks. He got his first major breakthrough in 2015 with his rap single, “Cha Cha,” which was featured in his album #1Epic. He also released his first mixtape in October of that year.
After a year, D.R.A.M. recorded his epic single “Brocolli” in April 2016 in collaboration with Lil Yachty. The song was a major hit and was well-received all around the world. The song reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2016.
During his career, D.R.A.M. has appeared on several talk shows in addition to hip-hop. In October 2016, he got featured on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
On the song “Blessings,” he also collaborated with “Ruary,” “Anthony Hamilton,” “Ty Dolla Sign,” and “Chance the Rapper.” In 2016, D.R.A.M. also publically released his much-awaited first studio album, “Big Daddy D.R.A.M.”
The debut album sparked widespread curiosity and was favorably praised throughout the world. The album debuted at no.19 on the US Billboard, no.12 in the R&B United States, and no.10 in the top rap rankings in the United States.
In the US alone, the album sold about 500,000 copies and eventually received certified gold from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
For the track “Andromeda,” D.R.A.M. teamed with Gorillaz, a well-known English virtual band in 2017. The song was an epic hit with almost 67 million views on YouTube.
D.R.A.M. Personal Life
D.R.A.M. likes to be silent about his personal life and love relationship. Due to this, we do not have much information about his marital status and dating history. Information will be updated, as we get any insights on D.R.A.M.’s wife, girlfriend, and kids.
D.R.A.M. has already seen highs and lows in his life. He’s accomplished a lot in his career, from operating cash registers in local grocery shops to headlining musical tours all over the world. He continues on his spectacular climb to the ladder of fame, silencing his critiques from hard work.
D.R.A.M. is often called by many the Happiest Rapper Alive.
5 Lessons We Learned from D.R.A.M.
D.R.A.M. journey from a young aspiring artist to a millionaire offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve success in their chosen field. Here are five lessons we can learn from D.R.A.M.
Persistence pays off
D.R.A.M.’s journey from working odd jobs to becoming a successful recording artist reminds us that persistence and hard work are crucial in pursuing our dreams.
Embrace your uniqueness
D.R.A.M.’s distinctive sound and style set him apart from the crowd. His success serves as a reminder to embrace our individuality and not be afraid to be different.
Overcoming challenges
D.R.A.M.’s battle with addiction and subsequent recovery is a powerful example of resilience and the ability to overcome personal struggles. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar obstacles.
The power of collaboration
Throughout his career, D.R.A.M. has collaborated with various artists, showcasing the importance of collaboration and the ability to create something greater by working together.
Never stop evolving
From EPs to mixtapes to studio albums, D.R.A.M. has continuously pushed boundaries and evolved his craft. His willingness to explore new sounds and styles teaches us the importance of growth and adaptation in our own lives.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is D.R.A.M.’s net worth?
As of 2023, D.R.A.M.’s net worth is approximately $2 million.
What was D.R.A.M.’s breakthrough song?
D.R.A.M.’s breakthrough came with his single “Cha Cha,” which gained viral popularity and garnered over 2 million views on YouTube within a few months.
Has D.R.A.M. worked with other artists?
Yes, D.R.A.M. has collaborated with notable artists such as Chance The Rapper, Donnie Trumpet, E-40, and Denzel Curry, among others, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore different genres.
D.R.A.M. Net Worth
D.R.A.M. net worth is approximately $2 million USD in 2023. The rapper has just begun his professional career and already managed a sizable fortune in such a short time.
His journey from humble beginnings to achieving a multi-million dollar net worth is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. His unique sound, personal struggles, and valuable life lessons have made him a beloved figure in the hip-hop industry.
As we continue to witness his growth and evolution as an artist, D.R.A.M. serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and a reminder to embrace our individuality and overcome the challenges that life presents us.
Benjamin writes and conducts research for AllAboutNetWorth. Ben is a young Canadian man who is now exploring the world. He enjoys both eating and tourism. Benjamin has a strong love for inspiring others to pursue their ambitions. He has explored his interests, vocations, and finances for more than five years. The writings and publications on AllAboutNetWorth are the brainchild of Ben.
